
President Tinubu Declares Emergency in Rivers State
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political crises and security challenges. This decision led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The President expressed deep concern over the state’s political instability, highlighting recent incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants and the perceived inaction of state officials to address these issues. He emphasized that such circumstances necessitated federal intervention to restore governance and security in the region.
To manage the state’s affairs during this period, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State. The judiciary remains unaffected by this declaration and will continue to function as mandated by the constitution.
This move has garnered mixed reactions. Some political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have criticized the declaration, describing it as a “grave constitutional breach.” Conversely, others argue that the federal intervention is necessary to address the state’s challenges.
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